Computer Graphics: Handling the DCS Graphic Format

DCS is a standard used by applications such as Letraset ColorStudio and Adobe Photoshop to allow the printing of process-color graphics using a high-end prepress system.

A DCS graphic comprises five files, all of which must be present; a main file containing the preview image, and a file for each of the four color separations. The filenames depend on the application that created the files. The main file might include the word Main or Master in its name. In Photoshop, the main file is the only one without a filename extension; each separation file has an extension that indicates its color. For more information, see the documentation for the application that created the DCS graphic.

You can import a DCS graphic by reference or by copying it. If you import it by copying it into the document, the document size will increase dramatically.

Always keep the main file and its separation files in the same directory, and don't rename any of the files. Otherwise, FrameMaker won't be able to find the separation files.

Unlike other imported graphics, you can't apply a color to a DCS graphic using the Tools palette. FrameMaker always uses the colors specified in the separation files.

Additional Information:
Importing Graphics